HESI RN
HESI RN Exit Exam Capstone
1. A client with diabetes mellitus is experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). What laboratory result should the nurse monitor closely?
- A. White blood cell count of 15,000.
- B. Blood glucose level of 320 mg/dL.
- C. Sodium level of 145 mEq/L.
- D. Serum creatinine level of 1.0 mg/dL.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A blood glucose level of 320 mg/dL indicates the need for insulin to manage diabetic ketoacidosis.
2. The patient had a CVA and developed right-sided hemiplegia. Which action is least appropriate for the nurse to take?
- A. Performing ROM exercises during bathing.
- B. Changing the patient's position every two hours.
- C. Suctioning the patient supine and tightly pulling the bed sheets across their feet.
- D. Placing the patient in the prone position for one hour three times a day.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Suctioning the patient in a supine position and pulling the bed sheets tightly across their feet can lead to foot drop, which is harmful for a patient with right-sided hemiplegia. This action can exacerbate muscle weakness and impair circulation in the affected limb. It is crucial to avoid actions that may compromise the patient's safety and well-being, such as causing foot drop in this scenario.
3. Four hours following surgical repair of a compound fracture of the right ulna, the nurse is unable to palpate the client's right radial pulse. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Notify the healthcare provider of the finding immediately.
- B. Complete a neurovascular assessment of the right hand.
- C. Elevate the client's right hand on one or two pillows.
- D. Measure the client's blood pressure and apical pulse rate.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Completing a neurovascular assessment of the right hand is the priority in this situation. This assessment will help determine the circulation, sensation, and movement of the affected limb, ensuring there are no complications like compartment syndrome or impaired perfusion. Notifying the healthcare provider immediately (Choice A) might be necessary but should come after assessing the client's neurovascular status. Elevating the client's right hand (Choice C) can be helpful in some cases but should not precede a neurovascular assessment. Measuring the client's blood pressure and apical pulse rate (Choice D) is important but not the priority when assessing a potential vascular compromise in the limb.
4. During an excretory urogram, which observation made by the nurse indicates a complication?
- A. The client complains of a salty taste in the mouth when the dye is injected
- B. The client's entire body turns a bright red color
- C. The client states 'I have a feeling of getting warm.'
- D. The client gags and complains 'I am getting sick.'
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The observation of the client's entire body turning a bright red color during an excretory urogram indicates a severe reaction to the dye, which is a significant complication. This reaction is likely due to an allergic response and requires immediate medical attention. The other choices do not signify a severe complication: choice A could be a normal taste sensation related to the procedure, choice C may indicate a mild reaction, and choice D could be a common side effect of nausea without indicating a severe complication requiring immediate intervention.
5. A client is scheduled for a colonoscopy and has been prescribed a bowel preparation. What is the most important instruction for the nurse to provide?
- A. Eat a low-fiber diet the day before the procedure
- B. Drink clear liquids 24 hours before the procedure
- C. Take the entire bowel preparation as directed
- D. Avoid all solid foods 12 hours before the procedure
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The most important instruction for the nurse to provide to a client scheduled for a colonoscopy and prescribed a bowel preparation is to take the entire bowel preparation as directed. Completing the entire bowel preparation as prescribed is crucial to ensure the colon is properly cleansed for the colonoscopy. Incomplete bowel prep can interfere with the visualization of the colon, leading to inaccurate results. Choices A, B, and D are important but not as crucial as ensuring the complete intake of the bowel preparation for an effective procedure.